Portugal forward Joao Felix said on Monday that people at home are nervous about the team’s form after a disappointing group campaign had to remain calm ahead of this week’s World Cup knockout match against Croatia in Toronto.
Concerns that the European power had lost their way surfaced after the country followed a draw against DR Congo and a 5-0 thrashing of Uzbekistan with a goalless draw against Colombia in the final Group K match on Saturday to advance to the last 32 in second place behind the South Americans.
Felix was asked what message he had for fans ahead of Thursday’s meeting with the Croatians, who reached the final in 2018 and the semi-finals in Qatar four years ago.
“They have to stay calm,” he told reporters at the team training camp.
«The boys here are calm. Two draws doesn’t mean we have lost confidence or that people should doubt us.
«People just have to stay calm, just like we are calm and prepared for the match against Croatia. We are confident that we will win and we will do everything we can to advance to the next round.»
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Felix said Portugal’s familiarity with Croatia would be a clear advantage.
“We’re used to seeing them play,” he said. «We’ve played against them countless times, so we know their strengths and weaknesses well, and now it’s about analyzing that and making the most of it.»
The 26-year-old forward came closest to breaking the deadlock for Portugal on Saturday with a fine volley, but the form of his Al Nassr clubmate Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored twice against Uzbekistan but had just one shot on target against Colombia, is an ongoing concern for some.
Felix said he thought they had worked well together beforehand and rejected the idea that playing club football in Saudi Arabia had not prepared Ronaldo, 41, for the intensity of the World Cup.
«The intensity may not be the same as in other leagues, but the truth is the league is competitive. I didn’t think so before I got there, and maybe I’m biased because I play there, but the truth is the league is very competitive,» he said.
«When I speak for myself, I don’t feel any difference from my teammates. Cristiano can speak for himself and how he feels, but when I speak for myself, I don’t feel any difference.»
Felix missed a penalty that led to Portugal’s exit from the European Championship quarter-finals in a shootout defeat to France two years ago, but said there was no way he would step back if faced with a similar situation at the World Cup.
«If I have to take another penalty, I will take it without any problem,» he said. «I’ll go the extra mile. I’ve never had a problem with that, and I won’t start now.»
The players observed a moment of silence before training on Monday after news reached Florida of the death of the father of Ricardo Carvalho, the former Portuguese defender who is an assistant coach with the team.
Published on June 30, 2026
